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ACCELERATED STRENGTH TESTING

The quality of concrete has generally been specified in terms of the 28-day compressive strength of normally cured standard specimens made from a sample of concrete. Limitations of the 28-day strength test have resulted in the development of several techniques for an early assessment of concrete quality. This current practice sheet briefly discusses the present position of accelerated strength testing, with particular reference to its usage in the United Kingdom. The British Standard accelerated curing procedure is described. This has been incorporated into BS 1881: part 3, and is considered to be potentially suited for quality control and compliance purposes. The problems associated with curing techniques are discussed, and the author suggests that the engineer could not be expected to use an accelerated strength test except in conjunction with the 28-day strength test until he has complete faith in it - and that this can only come with experience. /TRRL/